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Date set for first step in cop killer’s sentencing

A man who pleaded guilty to the shooting murder of an experienced police officer at his rural property is edging closer to learning his fate.

Constable Keith Smith, 57, was killed at North Motton, in northwest Tasmania, on June 16 while he and another officer were delivering a court-ordered repossession notice.

Leigh Geoffrey Sushames was charged three days later with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault.

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Funeral for Tasmania Policeman Keith Smith.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to the murder and aggravated assault in January.

Sushames appeared via video link from prison in the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Friday.

A sentencing hearing, part of the process during which statements from people who knew the victim are often heard, was set for May 14 in Burnie.

Sushames will be brought to court for the hearing.

He has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Sergeant Gavin John Rigby, who accompanied Const Smith to the property.

Constable Smith was farewelled with full ceremonial police honours and a street procession, and remembered as a dedicated community-focused officer.

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Constable Keith Smith Tasmania

His death was the first fatal shooting of an officer in Tasmania in more than a century.

The beloved cop received several honours, including the Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and the National Police Service Medal in 2016.

Sushames is also facing 10 gun and drug offences, including possessing an unregistered firearm and a silencer.

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